regaining balance

The past ten weeks have been not only test of personal capacity but also a significant challenge in maintaining a healthy life balance.

 A little background: This semester, I decided to take on an overzealous course load while still working full-time (Accounting, HR, Finance, & Marketing). Basically, it meant sitting through a four hour grad class after work, Monday through Thursday, for ten weeks.

 You’re probably wondering why someone would take on so much in a condensed period of time…mostly to save money and graduate sooner. Also, going to school while working sucks. And frankly, if it’s going to suck, I’d rather have it suck more and just get it over with as quickly as possible. Go hard or go home, right??

 As the semester wraps up (two exams left!), I’ve spent some time reflecting on the things I’ve learned from this incredibly challenging experience.

 

1. You really don’t know what you’re capable of until you test your personal capacity. This applies to anything in life and can range from training for your first big race to learning a language or discovering a new hobby.  Set goals and see them through.

 

2. We are all different and unique individuals. All goals are important, no matter how big or small. A challenge for one person may not be for another but that does not discount the effort. As long as you are constantly challenging yourself in life, you are growing as a person.

 

 3. Maintaining a healthy life balance is the cornerstone of happiness. The name of the blog was conceived from this very idea. It’s not just about eating right and exercising regularly, but also being active in your community, making personal time for yourself and discovering/strengthening hobbies.

 

Luckily, the past ten weeks (which were not balanced in the least: work + school + some sleep, repeat) were only a temporary life hiccup. Regaining balance has made me realize just how important, both mentally and physically, a balanced lifestyle truly is to your health. The other day, I actually got choked up during a run thinking about this idea and how much running, yoga, laughing with friends, and helping others can relieve daily stresses and anxiety; or how seeing a challenge through and meeting a goal can assure you of what you’re truly capable achieving.

new year, new (healthier) you

Does this sound familiar? Extended period of year-end holiday indulgences (and overindulgences) > New Year’s resolution to workout every single day and to eat more vegetables in a week than the entire year prior > Join a gym, go a few times, eat a few vegetables > It’s too hard or stressful, not fun > Give in to temptations and old habits > “I’ll start again on Monday”, “There’s always next year”

Everyone knows that the beginning of a new year means an influx of new gym-goers who have nothing but the best of intentions to get in shape, lose a few pounds, you name it. However, like clockwork, the crowds usually dissolve within a month.

So what is the key to making a new, healthier lifestyle change and actually sticking with it? M O D E R A T I O N

Making a resolution to completely change your life habits overnight has failure written all over it. Why? Attempting to change everything at once adds an immense level of stress to your already busy life. Changing, breaking or making new habits requires work and conscious effort, which can be quite exhausting.

If your ultimate goal is to change your life for the healthier this year, kudos to you! Here are some tips to get you started on the right track:

• Break your overall goal into smaller, more manageable goals using the SMART method – if your goal is to run a half marathon, try training for a 5k first
• Make small, easy changes daily – take the stairs instead of the elevator, choose water over the usual soda at lunch
• Take a class you’re interested in once or twice a week such as yoga, spinning, dance, boxing, etc.
• Try new recipes – once a week, experiment with a new healthy meal, try something new to you like quinoa
• Get outdoors! Yes, it’s winter in Northeast Ohio but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out and enjoy the beautiful snowy season! Try a snowboarding lesson at BMBW or cross-country skiing at the North Chagrin Reservation. Engaging in physical activity with family and friends is far less likely to feel like work and more like fun!

Small changes in your health behaviors and staying consistent with these changes will eventually become habits. Habits become part of us and shape each of our lifestyles. So, start small and realistic, keeping in mind your ultimate goal. The small changes you make towards leading a healthier lifestyle will be far less stressful than trying to change everything at once and they will likely snowball until you reach your overall goal in which being healthy is just a part of who you are!

cwrrc fall classic

Yesterday morning, I ran and finished my second half marathon!

The Cleveland West Road Runners Club Fall Classic took place along the Valley Parkway inside the Mill Stream Run Reservation located in Strongsville, Ohio. The event was capped at 1,000 runners for both the half marathon & 5k and it was very interesting to experience the differences between a smaller race and a much larger one like Columbus, which attracted a solid 17,000 runners.

I was pleasantly surprised that the weather held up considering it is nearing the end of November in Northeast Ohio…slightly windy but overcast and temps in the upper 50s. I walked over from the parking area a little over a half hour before the race and barely made it through the line for the toilets before the start time. I hustled over to the starting line with less than 5 minutes to spare. It was go time!

The course was a flat, out-and-back double-loop…amongst barren trees…contained within a seven mile stretch of the park. Let me just tell you, in my opinion, it was a boring course. I ran this race solo so I didn’t have anyone to talk to for over two hours and the fact that there really wasn’t much to look at in terms of scenery made the minutes tick by s l o w l y. All of the awesome spectators were concentrated near the start/finish area so it was just us runners and the road for the majority of the race. However, the highlight of the race was a Golden Retriever named Rocky. Rocky ran the whole half marathon with his owner Linda and every time I saw him, I couldn’t help but smile. I love goldies! 🙂

Rocky & Linda! (and yes, we are in front of the toilets - classy photo-op)

I was really glad that I had decided to run with a water bottle for this race because there were only two water/Gatorade stations and for the last 4 miles, there was nothing! They must have run out and took down one of the stations on the last leg and I was so thirsty by the time I crossed the finish line. Literally, all I was thinking about for the last 4 miles were the two chocolate milks I had waiting for me in my bag.

All in all, I’m glad I ran the CWRRC Fall Classic. I was a little bummed that I didn’t beat my Columbus time but satisfied that I made it through injury-free. The running community in the Cleveland area is pretty special and I was just happy to be a part of that.

#2 – 2:18:32

Off to rest up for the CLE Turkey Trot!